On 6 July ABTA reached a milestone, holding its first ever sustainable travel event.

ABTA has been working on a wide range of sustainability topics and issues for a number of years, with many Members joining us on the journey.

A number of topics were covered at the seminar, from modern slavery to child protection, climate impacts and animal welfare. The audience was just as wide-ranging. Many of ABTA’s education partners attended alongside large established tour operators, small and medium tour operators and NGOs.

ABTA Members, including Tui, Kuoni, Thomas Cook, Virgin, STA Travel and Rickshaw Travel delivered enlightening presentations. Delegates heard from John Lewis about their sustainability programme and Sören Stöber, Travelife Commercial Director on the Travelife certification process.

Daniel Turner from The Born Free Foundation chaired a group discussion on animal welfare where delegates were reminded that, with targeted animal welfare campaigns, constant changes to legislations and public scrutiny, the current landscape is a ‘’minefield’’ of issues for tour operators. The travel industry was encouraged to use the ABTA Global Animal Welfare Guidelines to manage animal welfare risks in their supply chain. 

Nikki White, Director of Destinations and Sustainability at ABTA chaired a group discussion on human rights, highlighting the importance of understanding your supply chain and building awareness of child protection and modern slavery risks.

The event took place at America Square conference centre, winner of a Visit London ‘Sustainable Venue of the Year’ award.

Details of ABTA’s next sustainable travel event will be available in due course.